3. Abracadabra!
During Allan’s audition, he showcased close-up magic, including cards, coins and rope tricks. After a nerve-racking evening, he and the six others who auditioned with him learned they had made it into the Academy. “I was so excited — all seven of us passed the audition, which is a very rare occurrence,” said Allan.
4. Magical Inspirations
Allan’s initial interest in magic was piqued by his favorite magician, David Copperfield, and his ability to get great reactions from the crowd. Today Allan said this has shaped his personal performance style. “I tend to be a more comedic and exaggerated version of myself; I like to just have some fun,” Allan said.
5. Members Only
As an Academy member, Allan — who lives in the Los Angeles area — enjoys bringing his family to experience the Castle and attending the Academy’s special performances and lectures at least once a month. “The Magic Castle is full of non-stop magic experiences including a house ghost named Irma, a magic piano that takes song requests and optical illusions all around,” said Allan. “Everywhere you look, there is some type of magic going on.”
6. Magic Momentum
One of Allan’s favorite tricks is called “the saltshaker through the table,” which uses misdirection to make a saltshaker disappear. It was the very first trick he learned in his magic class and performed for his wife, Colleen; it remains a favorite because of his wife’s initial shock and amazement.
7. Behind the Scenes
Allan’s wife is his number one supporter and favorite audience. “Colleen has so much fun watching all of my magic tricks but does not want to know the secrets behind them,” said Allan. His wife helps behind the scenes to make Allan’s magic come to life by building props for his tricks and her reactions still fuel his lasting passion for his magical hobby.
8. What’s Up His Sleeve?
Allan likes to debunk the idea of having tricks up his sleeve by performing magic in a short sleeve shirt. This allows him to demonstrate impressive magic tricks for his audience with “absolutely nothing up my literal sleeves,” said Allan.
9. Mixing Magic and Work
At work, being a member of the Northrop Grumman Management Club — which organizes development, community and networking activities — has helped Allan develop his management skills and is a way for him to connect with other leaders. And recently, it was also a way for him to share his magical passion at work. With Allan’s help, the Management Club hosted an event at the Magic Castle — which Allan said was a full circle moment for him.
10. What’s Next?
Magic will always be a part of Allan’s life, and he continues to work toward new goals. “I hope to perform on stage at the Magic Castle — I’ve just got to pass one more audition,” said Allan. As he continues his magic journey, he hopes to be an example and inspiration for others to follow their passion.
